Thursday, October 21, 2010

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

I've been slowly converting all of my "chemical" cleaners over to more "natural" cleaners. For the past month, I've been experimenting with several recipes and combinations of recipes to find the best cleaning solution for my dishwasher.

I finally came up with a combination that works well for me. We have well water which is hard even though we have a softener attached to our water pump.

Here's my recipe:
1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax
1 cup water

Stir together for a few minutes and allow to sit for several minutes before using. It is very watery until it has time to sit. Use 2 Tbl. per use.

I have my recipe written on a card that I keep in my recipe box. It's handy when I need to make a new batch of cleaner. I had to make a new category - Natural Cleaners - to keep the cards in. I'm getting quite a collection of cleaning recipes.

Along with this cleaner, I found that I must use vinegar as a rinse agent - you know, in that little dispenser in your dishwasher that you're supposed to fill with an expensive rinse aide. I fill up my dispenser whenever it runs low (to check mine I press on the *bubble* on top of the dispenser - when I can't see any more liquid, I refill it)

My son found a set of these canisters at the thrift store and brought them home for me. I've been using them to store my new natural cleaners in. I like the spoon holder on the side. They came with wooden spoons, but I replaced them with old plastic measuring spoons so that I can control the amount of cleaner I use.

I like using items that I have on hand to make my own cleaners. I like not adding harsh chemicals and bleach to my septic system. I like saving money. What natural cleaners are you using?